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Activity title

Investigations of Military Applications of Quantum Computing

Activity Reference

SET-IST-339

Panel

SET

Security Classification

NATO UNCLASSIFIED

Status

Active

Activity type

RTG

Start date

2024-04-29T00:00:00Z

End date

2027-04-29T00:00:00Z

Keywords

Military Application, Quantum Computing, Quantum Technologies, SET

Background

A new computing paradigm is approaching rapidly: quantum computing. It is expected that quantum computers will solve specific problems much faster than the current and future generations of classical computers. Quantum computers (QC) operate fundamentally differently than classical computers, based on quantum bits (qubits), using the properties superposition and entanglement. One of the major challenges is to discover those applications and problems on which the QC will outperform.

Objectives

The primary focus of this RTG is to advance the development of quantum algorithms specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and requirements of the military domain, with emphasis on data processing from sensor equipment. The scientific objectives of this project encompass the following key areas: 1. Optimization Algorithms: One of the primary scientific objectives is to develop quantum algorithms for optimization problems relevant to military data processing applications. By leveraging quantum computing's ability to explore multiple solutions simultaneously, we aim to develop efficient and effective algorithms that can provide optimal or near-optimal solutions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and resource utilization in military missions. 2. Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition: Quantum machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize military intelligence and analysis. The scientific objective here is to develop quantum algorithms for tasks such as pattern recognition, anomaly detection, clustering, and classification. By harnessing quantum properties such as superposition and entanglement, we aim to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of machine learning algorithms, enabling faster and more effective analysis of (in future: large-scale) data sets, including images, sensor data, and signals intelligence. 3. Data Analysis and Decision Support: Quantum algorithms can provide significant advantages in data analysis and decision support systems for military operations. The scientific objective is to develop quantum algorithms for data mining, pattern extraction, predictive modeling, and decision-making under uncertainty. By leveraging quantum computing's potential for parallelism and optimization, we aim to expedite the analysis of large and complex data sets, enabling more informed and timely decisions on the battlefield. By achieving these scientific objectives in quantum algorithm development, we aim to harness the power of quantum computing to address the specific challenges and requirements of the military domain. The outcomes of this research can have a profound impact on military operations, enabling faster decision-making, enhanced intelligence analysis.

Topics

The scientific topics to be covered in this project may include: • Quantum Computing Fundamentals: A comprehensive understanding of the principles and concepts of quantum computing, including quantum mechanics, quantum gates, quantum circuits, quantum algorithms, and quantum error correction. • Quantum Algorithm Design and Analysis: Exploration of various quantum algorithms and their adaptation for military applications, including optimization algorithms, simulation algorithms, machine learning algorithms, cryptographic protocols, and algorithms for data analysis and decision support. • Quantum Machine Learning: Exploring the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, including quantum-enhanced algorithms for pattern recognition, anomaly detection, clustering, classification, and optimization. This topic involves understanding the principles of quantum machine learning and developing novel algorithms tailored for military applications. • Optimization Algorithms and Heuristics: Researching quantum algorithms for optimization problems, such as resource allocation, logistics planning, scheduling, and route optimization. This topic involves understanding classical optimization algorithms, adapting them for quantum systems, and developing novel quantum optimization algorithms. • Data Analysis and Intelligence Analysis: Investigating quantum algorithms for data mining, pattern recognition, anomaly detection, predictive modeling, and decision-making under uncertainty. This topic focuses on leveraging quantum computing to enhance data analysis and intelligence analysis tasks within the military context. • Quantum Hardware and Architectures: Exploring different quantum computing architectures, such as superconducting qubits, trapped ions, topological qubits, and photonic qubits, but also the other quantum computing approaches such as quantum annealing and photonic quantum computing, and understanding their capabilities, limitations, and potential for scalability. This topic involves studying the hardware aspects of quantum computing and evaluating their suitability for military applications. These scientific topics form the foundation of the research and development efforts in Quantum Algorithm Development for the military domain. They encompass a broad range of disciplines, including quantum physics, computer science, optimization, cryptography, machine learning, and data analysis, all directed towards harnessing the power of quantum computing for military applications.

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